Game system including ring on a string and target

ABSTRACT

A stylized game system which includes a tossable object such as a ball or a ring affixed to a string. The tossable object is suspended from the string a distance away from a backboard and is attached to a raised surface such as a ceiling or a telescoping pole. The object is tossed along a path toward the backboard with the intent of hooking the ring onto a goal located on the backboard. The goal and backboard could be a cup or a hoop or a hook, depending upon the tossable object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/164,388 filed May 20, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a game system, and more specifically to a ring toss game system including an anchored string, a ring, and a target.

2. Description of the Related Art

Popular gaming systems include ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for a long time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out above the board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also been around for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number of names, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,” and, simply, “Ring Toss.”

The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hook somewhere, either temporarily or permanently. A ring is then affixed to a string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The other end of the string is affixed to a rod or other object, allowing the user to swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ring onto the hook.

What is desired is a new gaming system with new challenges for players. Heretofore there has not been available a game system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a highly-portable game which includes a ring on a string anchored to a point, such as a telescoping rod, and a target for receiving the ring when tossed. The telescoping rod is connected to and received within the backboard and telescopes out to provide a vertical connection point for the string to attach when a ceiling or other structure is not suitable. A cord lock located at the tip of the telescoping rod secures the end of the string. The hook and telescoping rod can be removed from the backboard when not in use, and can easily be reattached to the backboard. The hook includes alignment tabs for properly orienting the hook when attached. This provides a highly mobile, self-contained game system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an example backboard element of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a telescoping pole element of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the telescoping pole of FIG. 9 interfacing with the backboard element of FIG. 8.

FIG. 4 is an exploded three-dimensional isometric view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the telescoping pole of FIG. 9, including close-up views of a connecting element thereof and an end element thereof.

FIG. 6 is an exploded three-dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a ring hook.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view thereof in an assembled state.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of a hook element thereof, including a close-up view of a connection element thereof.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention combining elements depicted in FIGS. 1-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Ring Toss Game System 152

FIG. 1 shows a backboard 154 which has a receiver 156 for receiving a telescoping arm 160 as shown in FIG. 2. At least one mounting hole 158 could be included in the backboard 154 for receiving a screw or nail for mounting the backboard 154 against a vertical surface, such as a wall. The telescoping arm 160 including multiple telescoping segments 162 which telescope out to form an elongated arm for connecting a string for holding a ball element as disclosed above or a ring element as disclosed below. The tip 164 of the arm 160 includes holes 168 for receiving the string. An insert end 166 is received by the receiver 156 inserted into the backboard 154.

FIG. 3 shows this assembly fully constructed. FIG. 4 shows how the parts may separate, including the receiver 156 removed from a hole 157 within the backboard. FIG. 5 shows additional detail of the telescoping arm, including the holes 168 for receiving the string.

III. Alternative Embodiment Game System 202

FIG. 6 shows an alternative game system 202 for use with a ring on a string. The backboard 204 includes a hole 206 for receiving a receiver 208 which receives a hook 210 having a pair of flanges 212 which correspond with the receiver 208 such that the hook can only be hooked into the receiver slot 209 in the proper upright direction. As before, a mounting hole 214 is used to mount the backboard 204 to a vertical object such as a wall.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the hook 210 as inserted into the receiver 208 which is inside of the backboard 204. FIG. 9 shows the hook 210, flanges 212, receiver 208, and receiver slot 209 in more detail.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Game System 252

FIG. 10 shows a combination of the elements discussed above into an alternative embodiment game system 252. The telescoping rod 160 is affixed to the backboard 154 which is attached to a vertical structure 18. The segments 162 of the rod 160 are extended and the string 14 is attached to the holes 168 in the tip of the rod. As shown, the ring 4 can be tossed along a path suspended by the string 14 towards the hook 210 with the intent of catching the ring 4 onto the hook. This assembly allows the hook to be removed when the game isn't used and prevents a common issue with threaded hooks where the threads can wear out over time. This also protects against loosening of the thread connection of typical hooks over time.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited. 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A game system comprising: a backboard with a front face, said backboard mounted to a vertical surface; a tossable ring connected to a string affixed to a raised surface, said raised surface located above said backboard; a hook releasably attached to said backboard, said hook configured for receiving said tossable ring; said hook including a distal end having a pair of alignment tabs; a receiver mounted within said backboard for receiving said hook, said receiver including a pair of gaps corresponding with and configured to receive said alignment tabs; and wherein said receiver and said alignment tabs are configured to force said hook to interface with said backboard in a proper orientation for receiving said ring.
 2. The game system of claim 1, further comprising: a telescoping arm including a first end and a second end; said first end of said telescoping arm comprising an insert to be received by an arm receiver located within said backboard; said raised surface comprising said second end of said telescoping arm configured for receiving a first end of said string; and said telescoping arm comprised of a plurality of interlocking telescoping segments.
 3. The game system of claim 2, further comprising: said arm receiver placed within a hole located in said front face of said backboard; said arm receiver including a recess at a diagonal angle; and said insert of said telescoping arm including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being narrower than said second portion, wherein said first portion is configured to be received by said recess and said second portion configured to rest flush against an exterior end of said arm receiver.
 4. The game system of claim 2, further comprising: said second end of said telescoping arm including a pair of holes for receiving said first end of said string.
 5. A game system comprising: a backboard with a front face, said backboard mounted to a vertical surface; a tossable ring connected to a second end of a string, a first end of said string being affixed to a distal end of a telescoping arm; a hook releasably attached to said backboard, said hook configured for receiving said tossable ring; said hook including a distal end having a pair of alignment tabs; a hook receiver mounted within said backboard for receiving said hook, said hook receiver including a pair of gaps corresponding with and configured to receive said alignment tabs; wherein said receiver and said alignment tabs are configured to force said hook to interface with said backboard in a proper orientation for receiving said ring; a proximal end of said telescoping arm comprising an insert to be received by an arm receiver located within said backboard; and said telescoping arm comprised of a plurality of interlocking telescoping segments.
 6. A game system comprising: a backboard with a front face, said backboard mounted to a vertical surface; a tossable ring connected to a string affixed to a raised surface, said raised surface located above said backboard; a hook releasably attached to said backboard, said hook configured for receiving said tossable ring; a telescoping arm including a first end and a second end; said first end of said telescoping arm comprising an insert to be received by an arm receiver located within said backboard; said raised surface comprising said second end of said telescoping arm configured for receiving a first end of said string; and said telescoping arm comprised of a plurality of interlocking telescoping segments.
 7. The game system of claim 6, further comprising: said arm receiver placed within a hole located in said front face of said backboard; said arm receiver including a recess at a diagonal angle; and said insert of said telescoping arm including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being narrower than said second portion, wherein said first portion is configured to be received by said recess and said second portion configured to rest flush against an exterior end of said arm receiver. 